Light emitting device

ABSTRACT

A light emitting device includes a package having a recess which includes a bottom surface having corners. The package includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a resin portion. The first electrode is provided at a first part of the bottom surface. The second electrode is provided at a second part of the bottom surface. The resin portion is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode at a third part of the bottom surface. A protection element is provided on the bottom surface. A light reflective material covers the bottom surface except for an uncovered region to cover the protection element and the corners of the bottom surface and uncovers an uncovering region of the bottom surface. The uncovered region is defined by linear lines and curved lines connecting the linear lines. A light emitting element is provided in the uncovered region on the bottom surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/294,787 filed on Oct. 17, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/873,336filed on Oct. 2, 2015, which was issued as the U.S. Pat. No. 9,502,623.The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a light emitting device.

Discussion of the Background

A light emitting device including a light emitting element such as alight emitting diode (LED) has been known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a light emittingdevice includes a package, a protection element, a light reflectivematerial, and a light emitting element. The package has a recess whichincludes a bottom surface having corners. The package includes a firstelectrode, a second electrode, and a resin portion. The first electrodeis provided at a first part of the bottom surface. The second electrodeis provided at a second part of the bottom surface. The resin portion isprovided between the first electrode and the second electrode at a thirdpart of the bottom surface. The protection element is provided on thebottom surface. The light reflective material covers the bottom surfaceexcept for an uncovered region on the bottom surface to cover theprotection element and the corners of the bottom surface. The uncoveredregion is defined by linear lines and curved lines connecting the linearlines. The light emitting element is provided in the uncovered region onthe bottom surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light emitting device in accordancewith a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting device takenalong line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light emitting device illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting device takenalong line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light emitting devicetaken along line V-V of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with asecond embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with athird embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with afourth embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with afifth embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with asixth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with aseventh embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light emitting devicetaken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a light emitting device in accordance with aneighth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein same reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a light emitting device 10 in accordancewith a first embodiment includes a base structure 12, a wall 14, a lightemitting element 16, and a protection element 18. As seen in FIG. 2, thebase structure 12 includes a first surface 20 (a bottom surface 20). Thewall 14 is provided on the first surface 20 of the base structure 12 ina first direction D1 substantially perpendicular to the first surface20. The wall 14 includes an inner peripheral surface 22 defining anopening 24. The light emitting element 16 is configured to emit light.Specifically, the light emitting element 16 is configured to convertelectrical power to light. Examples of the light emitting element 16include a light emitting diode (LED). Examples of the LED include alaminated structure including a light emitting layer made of a nitridesemiconductor such as InN AlN, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, and InGaAlN, a III-Vcompound semiconductor, a II-V compound semiconductor, and other varioussemiconductor layers formed on a substrate. Examples of the substrateinclude an insulating substrate such as sapphire (Al₂O₃), and aconductive substrate such as SiC, GaN, and GaAs. The light emittingelement 16 may not include the substrate. While the light emittingelement 16 is described as the LED in the illustrated embodiment, thelight emitting element 16 can have other constructions.

As seen in FIG. 1, the protection element 18 is configured toelectrically protect the light emitting element 16. Examples of theprotection element 18 include a Zener diode, a capacitor, a varistor,and a bridge diode. While the protection element 18 is described as theZener diode in the illustrated embodiment, the protection element 18 canhave other constructions.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emitting device 10 further includesa sealing member 26 filled in the opening 24 to cover the light emittingelement 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 26 isfilled in the opening 24 to cover the light emitting element 16, theinner peripheral surface 22 of the wall 14, and the protection element18. The sealing member 26 has optical light-transmissiveness. Forexample, the sealing member 26 includes an optical light transmissivemember 27 made of an optical light transmissive material such as asilicone resin, a modified silicone resin, an epoxy resin, a modifiedepoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, aTPX resin, a polynorbornene resin, or a hybrid resin which contains oneor more of those resins. As seen in FIG. 2, the sealing member 26further includes wavelength converting materials 28 provided in theoptical light transmissive member 27. The wavelength convertingmaterials 28 are configured to absorb light emitted from the lightemitting element 16 and to emit light having different wavelengths. Thewavelength converting materials 28 such as fluorescent particles.

The fluorescent particles absorb at least part of primary light emittedfrom the light emitting element 16 and emit light having a wavelengthdifferent from a wavelength of the primary light. Specifically, examplesof the fluorescent particles include yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)activated by cerium, nitrogen-containing calcium aluminosilicateactivated by europium and/or chromium, sialon activated by europium,silicate activated by europium, and potassium silicate fluorideactivated by manganese. Diffusing agent and/or coloring agent can beused as the sealing member 26 along with the fluorescent particles.Specifically, silica, oxidized titanium, magnesium oxide, magnesiumcarbonate, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide,calcium silicate, zinc oxide, barium titanate, aluminum oxide, ironoxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, glass, and carbon black.

In FIG. 3, the sealing member 26 is omitted from the light emittingdevice 10. As seen in FIG. 3, the light emitting element 16 is providedin the opening 24 in a planar view of the light emitting device 10(e.g., when viewed from the first direction D1) (FIG. 2). The protectionelement 18 is provided in the opening 24 in the planar view (FIG. 2) andis provided on the first surface 20. The opening 24 has a substantiallypolygonal shape in the planar view (FIG. 2). The substantially polygonalshape includes a first corner 30, a second corner 32, a third corner 34,and a fourth corner 36. In this embodiment, the opening 24 has asubstantially pentagonal shape. Specifically, the substantiallypolygonal shape includes the first corner 30, the second corner 32, thethird corner 34, the fourth corner 36, and a fifth corner 37. However,the substantially polygonal shape is not limited to the illustratedembodiment.

The second corner 32 is closer to the fifth corner 37 than the firstcorner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36. The fifthcorner 37 is closer to the second corner 32 than the first corner 30,the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36.

In the illustrated embodiment, the protection element 18 is closer tothe first corner 30 than to each of the second corner 32, the thirdcorner 34, and the fourth corner 36 in the planar view. The lightemitting element 16 is closer to the second corner 32 than theprotection element 18 in the planar view. However, the light emittingelement 16 can be farther from the second corner 32 than the protectionelement 18 in the planar view.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first corner 30, the third corner 34, and thefourth corner 36 have the same shape as each other. Each of the firstcorner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36 forms a rightangle and has a round shape. At least one of the first corner 30, thethird corner 34, and the fourth corner 36 can have a shape differentfrom another corner. At least one of the first corner 30, the thirdcorner 34, and the fourth corner 36 can have shapes other than the roundshape.

The second corner 32 has a shape different from a shape of each of thefirst corner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36. Thesecond corner 32 forms an obtuse angle and has a round shape. The fifthcorner 37 has a shape different from the shape of each of the firstcorner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36. The fifthcorner 37 forms an obtuse angle and has a round shape. Since the secondcorner 32 and the fifth corner 37 has a shape different from the shapeof each of the first corner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourthcorner 36, it is possible to easily determine an anode side and acathode side of the light emitting device 10. However, at least one ofthe second corner 32 and the fifth corner 37 can have the same shape asthose of the first corner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner36.

As seen in FIG. 3, the light emitting device 10 includes a lightreflective portion 38 (a light reflective material 38). The lightreflective portion 38 covers the protection element 18 to reflect lightemitted from the light emitting element 16. The light reflective portion38 is provided on the first surface 20. In the illustrated embodiment,the light reflective portion 38 entirely covers the protection element18 to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element 16. However,the light reflective portion 38 can partially cover the protectionelement 18 to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element 16.

The light reflective portion 38 covers the inner peripheral surface 22to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element 16. In theillustrated embodiment, the light reflective portion 38 partially coversthe inner peripheral surface 22 to reflect light emitted from the lightemitting element 16. However, the light reflective portion 38 canentirely cover the inner peripheral surface 22 to reflect light emittedfrom the light emitting element 16.

The first surface 20 includes a first area 20 a, a second area 20 b, athird area 20 c, and a fourth area 20 d. The first area 20 a is adjacentto the first corner 30. The second area 20 b is adjacent to the secondcorner 32. The third area 20 c is adjacent to the third corner 34. Thefourth area 20 d is adjacent to the fourth corner 36. While the lightreflective portion 38 covers the first area 20 a in the illustratedembodiment, the light reflective portion 38 does not cover the secondarea 20 b, the third area 20 c, and the fourth area 20 d. However, thelight reflective portion 38 can cover at least one of the second area 20b, the third area 20 c, and the fourth area 20 d in addition to orinstead of the first area 20 a.

As seen in FIG. 3, the light emitting device 10 and the base structure12 has a substantially square shape in the planar view. Thesubstantially square shape includes a first side 40, a second side 42, athird side 44, and a fourth side 46. The first side 40 extends in asecond direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 (FIG. 1).The second side 42 extends in the second direction D2. The second side42 is opposite to the first side 40 in a third direction D3perpendicular to each of the first direction D1 and the second directionD2. The third side 44 extends in the third direction D3 between thefirst side 40 and the second side 42. The fourth side 46 extends in thethird direction D3 between the first side 40 and the second side 42. Thefourth side 46 is opposite to the third side 44 in the second directionD2.

The first side 40 is substantially parallel to the second side 42. Thethird side 44 is substantially parallel to the fourth side 46. In theillustrated embodiment, the first side 40, the second side 42, the thirdside 44, and the fourth side 46 have lengths substantially equal to eachother. However, each of the first side 40 and the second side 42 canhave a length different from a length of each of the third side 44 andthe fourth side 46.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first corner 30 is closer to the first side 40than to the second side 42 in the third direction D3 in the planar view.The first corner 30 is closer to the third side 44 than to the fourthside 46 in the second direction D2 in the planar view. The second corner32 is closer to the first side 40 than to the second side 42 in thethird direction D3 in the planar view. The second corner 32 is closer tothe fourth side 46 than to the third side 44 in the second direction D2in the planar view.

The third corner 34 is closer to the second side 42 than to the firstside 40 in the third direction D3 in the planar view. The third corner34 is closer to the third side 44 than to the fourth side 46 in thesecond direction D2 in the planar view. The fourth corner 36 is closerto the second side 42 than to the first side 40 in the third directionD3 in the planar view. The fourth corner 36 is closer to the fourth side46 than to the third side 44 in the second direction D2 in the planarview. The arrangement of the first corner 30, the second corner 32, thethird corner 34, and the fourth corner 36 is not limited to theillustrated embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 3, the protection element 18 is closer to the first side40 than to the second side 42 in the third direction D3 in the planarview. The protection element 18 is closer to the third side 44 than tothe fourth side 46 in the second direction D2 in the planar view. Thelight emitting element 16 is closer to the fourth side 46 than to thethird side 44 in the second direction D2 in the planar view. The lightemitting element 16 is provided at a center between the first side 40and the second side 42 in the third direction D3. The arrangement of thelight emitting element 16 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base structure 12 includes a firstelectrode 48 and a second electrode 50. The first electrode 48 iselectrically connected to the light emitting element 16. The secondelectrode 50 is electrically connected to the light emitting element 16.In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode 48 is an anodeelectrode, and the second electrode 50 is a cathode electrode. The firstelectrode 48 is made of an electrically conductive material such as ametallic material. The second electrode 50 is made of an electricallyconductive material such as a metallic material. The first electrode 48is electrically connected to the light emitting element 16 via aconductive wire 52. The second electrode 50 is electrically connected tothe light emitting element 16 via a conductive wire 54.

As seen in FIG. 2, the base structure 12 includes a base portion 56 (aresin portion 56) in which each of the first electrode 48 and the secondelectrode 50 is partially embedded. The second electrode 50 is spacedapart from the first electrode 48 in the second direction D2perpendicular to the first direction D1. The base portion 56 ispartially provided between the first electrode 48 and the secondelectrode 50 in the second direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment,the base portion 56 is integrally provided with the wall 14 as a singleunitary member. However, the base portion 56 can be a separate memberfrom the wall 14.

A plating is preferably provided on surfaces of the first electrode 48and the second electrode 50 to efficiently extract light emitted fromthe light emitting element 16. In such an embodiment, the lightreflective portion 38 preferably has a reflectance higher than areflectance of the plating. Examples of materials of the plating includeNi, Pd, Au, Ag, and an alloy of these. The reflectance, as used herein,means an average of reflectances with respect to all wavelengths oflight which is emitted from the light emitting element 16. Thus, anaverage of reflectances of the light reflective portion 38 with respectto all wavelengths of the light emitted from the light emitting element16 is higher than an average of reflectances of the plating with respectto all wavelengths of the light emitted from the light emitting element16.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first electrode 48 and the secondelectrode 50 define the first surface 20. In the illustrated embodiment,the base portion 56, the first electrode 48, and the second electrode 50define the first surface 20. The light emitting element 16 is providedon the second electrode 50. The light emitting element 16 is mounted tothe second electrode 50 via an adhesive layer (not shown).

As seen in FIG. 3, the first corner 30 is closer to the first electrode48 than to the second electrode 50 in the planar view. The second corner32 is closer to the second electrode 50 than to the first electrode 48in the planar view. The third corner 34 is closer to the first electrode48 than to the second electrode 50 in the planar view. The fourth corner36 is closer to the second electrode 50 than to the first electrode 48in the planar view.

As seen in FIG. 2, the base structure 12 includes a second surface 58opposite to the first surface 20 in the first direction D1. The baseportion 56, the first electrode 48, the second electrode 50 and the wall14 define the second surface 58. The first electrode 48 includes a firstmounting surface 60 to which electrical power is supplied from anelectrical power source (not shown). For example, the first mountingsurface 60 is joined to a secondary mounting surface. The secondelectrode 50 includes a second mounting surface 62 to which electricalpower is supplied from the electrical power source (not shown). Thefirst mounting surface 60 and the second mounting surface 62 areopposite to the first surface 20 in the first direction D1. The firstmounting surface 60 and the second mounting surface 62 partiallyconstitute the second surface 58.

As seen in FIG. 4, the protection element 18 is provided on the firstelectrode 48. For example, the protection element 18 is fixed andelectrically connected to the first electrode 48 via a conductiveadhesive material (not shown). The protection element 18 is electricallyconnected to the second electrode 50 via a conductive wire 64. Theconductive wire 64 is electrically connected to the protection element18 and is partially covered with the light reflective portion 38. Theconductive wire 64 is partially exposed from the light reflectiveportion 38.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the light reflective portion 38 covers thefirst electrode 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the light reflectiveportion 38 partially covers the first electrode 48. The light reflectiveportion 38 is made of a first material. The wall 14 is made of a secondmaterial. Since the wall 14 is integrally provided with the base portion56 as a single unitary member, the base portion 56 is made of the secondmaterial.

The first material has a reflectance higher than a reflectance of thesecond material with respect to wavelengths from 360 nm to 740 nm. Forexample, a total number of light scattering particles (e.g., titaniumoxide) contained in the first material is greater than a total number oflight scattering particles contained in the second material. The totalnumber of the light scattering particles contained in the first materialis preferably more than one and a half times as great as the totalnumber of the light scattering particles contained in the secondmaterial. The total number of the light scattering particles containedin the first material is more preferably more than twice as great as thetotal number of the light scattering particles contained in the secondmaterial. Furthermore, the total number of the light scatteringparticles contained in the first material is more preferably more thantwo and a half times as great as the total number of the lightscattering particles contained in the second material. For example, thefirst material contains titanium oxide of 40 wt. %, and the secondmaterial contains titanium oxide from 15 wt. % to 20 wt. %.

It is preferable to use, as a base material of the first material, aresin material having high color fastness to light and/or heat. Inparticular, a part which directly receives light and/or hear from thelight emitting element 16 is likely to discolor. Thus, it is preferableto use silicone resin having high color fastness as the resin materialwhich is the base material of the first material, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first material is different from thesecond material. The first material has a reflectance different from areflectance of the second material. However, the first material has areflectance equal to a reflectance of the second material.

Each of the first material and the second material contains a resinmaterial and a reflective material. Examples of a resin material includeseveral resin materials such as thermo-setting resin and thermoplasticresin. Specifically, silicone resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin,fluorine resin, polyolefin resin, polynorbornene resin, bismaleimidetriazine (BT) resin, polyphthalamide (PPA), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Especially, the silicone resinis preferably used since the silicone resin is superior in electricinsulation, heat resistance, and light resistance and has goodadhesiveness to a metallic material such as the first electrode 48 andthe second electrode 50. Examples of the reflective material includetitanate (e.g., K₂TiO₃), oxidized titanium (e.g., TiO₂), oxidizedaluminum (Al₂O₃), aluminum nitride (e.g., AlN), composite of aluminumand silicon dioxide (e.g., SiO₂), zirconia dioxide, boron nitride, andmullite. For example, each of the first material and the second materialhaving the above features has a white color. For example, the reflectivematerial has a refractive index which is equal to or higher than 1.8. Toeffectively scatter light, the refractive index of the reflectivematerial is preferably equal to or higher than 2.0, more preferablyequal to or higher than 2.5. Furthermore, for example, differencebetween a refractive index of the first material and a refractive indexof the second material is equal to or larger than 0.4. To effectivelyscatter light, the difference is preferably equal to or larger than 0.7,more preferably equal to or larger than 0.9.

As seen in FIG. 5, the light reflective portion 38 has a maximum lengthL1 which is defined from the first surface 20 in the first direction D1and which is longest in the light reflective portion 38. In the lightreflective portion 38 of this embodiment, the maximum length L1 isdefined at a maximum length position P1 closest to the first corner 30among a plurality of positions defined in the light reflective portion38. In this embodiment, the maximum length L1 is equal to a height ofthe wall portion 14 defined in the first direction D1.

The light reflective portion 38 has a minimum length which is definedfrom the first surface 20 in the first direction D1 and which isshortest in the light reflective portion 38. In the light reflectiveportion 38 of this embodiment, the minimum length is defined at aminimum-length position P2 arranged apart from the maximum-lengthposition P1. In this embodiment, the minimum length is zero.

The light reflective portion 38 includes an inclined surface 38 aextending from the maximum length position P1 to the minimum-lengthposition P2. The inclined surface 38 a has a curved shape. However, theinclined surface 38 a can have other shapes such as a flat shape. Thelight reflective portion 38 has a length L2 defined in the firstdirection D1. The length L2 of the light reflective portion 38 graduallydecreases from the maximum-length position P1 to the minimum-lengthposition P2.

With the light emitting device 10, the light reflective portion 38covers the protection element 18. Accordingly, it is possible to reducean amount of light absorbed by the protection element 18, improving thelight-emitting efficiency of the light emitting device 10. Furthermore,the protection element 18 is closer to the first corner 30 than to eachof the second corner 32, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36in the planar view. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively utilize aspace in the opening 24, expanding the design possibility of the lightemitting device 10 with improving the light-emitting efficiency of thelight emitting device 10.

Second Embodiment

A light emitting device 210 in accordance with a second embodiment willbe described below referring to FIG. 6. The light emitting device 210has the same construction as the light emitting device 10 of the firstembodiment except for the arrangement of the protection element 18 andthe light reflective portion 38. Thus, elements having substantially thesame function as those in the first embodiment will be numbered the samehere, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second corner 32 is closer to the first side 40than to the second side 42 in the third direction D3 in the planar view.Unlike the light emitting device 10 in accordance with the firstembodiment, however, the first corner 30 and the third corner 34 switchpositions with each other in the light emitting device 210.Specifically, the first corner 30 is closer to the second side 42 thanto the first side 40 in the third direction D3 in the planar view. Thethird corner 34 is closer to the first side 40 than to the second side42 in the third direction D3 in the planar view.

The protection element 18 is closer to the first corner 30 than to eachof the second corner 32, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36in the planar view. The protection element 18 is closer to the secondside 42 than to the first side 40 in the third direction D3 in theplanar view.

With the light emitting device 210, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

A light emitting device 310 in accordance with a third embodiment willbe described below referring to FIG. 7. The light emitting device 310has the same construction as the light emitting device 10 of the firstembodiment except for a total number of light emitting elements. Thus,elements having substantially the same function as those in the aboveembodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not be describedand/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 7, the light emitting device 310 further includes anadditional light emitting element 317 configured to emit light inaddition to the light emitting element 16. The additional light emittingelement 317 is provided in the opening 24 in the planar view. The firstelectrode 48 is electrically connected to the additional light emittingelement 317 via a conductive wire 353. The second electrode 50 iselectrically connected to the additional light emitting element 317 viaa conductive wire 355.

The protection element 18 is closer to the first corner 30 and the thirdside 43 than each of the light emitting element 16 and the additionallight emitting element 317 in the planar view. At least one of the lightemitting element 16 and the additional light emitting element 317 iscloser to the second corner 32 and the fourth side 46 than theprotection element 18 in the planar view. In the illustrated embodiment,the light emitting element 16 and the additional light emitting element317 are closer to the second corner 32 than the protection element 18 inthe planar view. The light emitting element 16 is offset from theadditional light emitting element 317 in the planar view.

As seen in FIG. 7, the light emitting element 16 is preferably offsetfrom the additional light emitting element 317 in the second directionD2 and/or the third direction D3 in the planer view. This arrangementreduces an amount of light which is incident from one of the lightemitting element 16 and the additional light emitting element 317 to theother of the light emitting element 16 and the additional light emittingelement 317, improving the light-emitting efficiency of the lightemitting device 10.

With the light emitting device 310, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

A light emitting device 410 in accordance with a fourth embodiment willbe described below referring to FIG. 8. The light emitting device 410has the same construction as the light emitting device 10 of the firstembodiment except for the light reflective portion 38. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the above embodimentswill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 8, the light emitting device 410 includes a lightreflective portion 438. The light reflective portion 438 covers theprotection element 18 to reflect light emitted from the light emittingelement 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the light reflective portion438 entirely covers the protection element 18 to reflect light emittedfrom the light emitting element 16.

The light reflective portion 438 has substantially the same constructionas the construction of the light reflective portion 38 in accordancewith the first embodiment. Specifically, the light reflective portion438 of the present embodiment covers the first area 20 a and has across-sectional shape substantially equal to that of the lightreflective portion 38 in the first embodiment (FIG. 5). In theillustrated embodiment, however, the light reflective portion 438 coversat least one of the second area 20 b, the third area 20 c, and thefourth area 20 d. Specifically, the light reflective portion 438 of thepresent embodiment covers the third area 20 c in addition to the firstarea 20 a. Also, the light reflective portion 438 of the presentembodiment covers the first area 20 a, the third area 20 c and a portionof the inner peripheral surface 22 near the fourth side 44 continuously.However, the light reflective portion 438 can be separate partsrespectively covering the first area 20 a and the third area 20 c. Also,the light reflective portion 438 can cover a portion of the innerperipheral surface 22 near the first side 40, the second side 42, or thethird side 46.

With the light emitting device 410, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

A light emitting device 510 in accordance with a fifth embodiment willbe described below referring to FIG. 9. The light emitting device 510has the same construction as the light emitting device 10 of the firstembodiment except for the light reflective portion 38. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the above embodimentswill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 9, the light emitting device 510 includes a lightreflective portion 538. The light reflective portion 538 covers theprotection element 18 to reflect light emitted from the light emittingelement 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the light reflective portion538 entirely covers the protection element 18 to reflect light emittedfrom the light emitting element 16.

The light reflective portion 38 covers the inner peripheral surface 22to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element 16. In theillustrated embodiment, the light reflective portion 38 entirely coversthe inner peripheral surface 22 to reflect light emitted from the lightemitting element 16.

The light reflective portion 538 has substantially the same constructionas the construction of the light reflective portion 38 in accordancewith the first embodiment. Specifically, the light reflective portion538 covers the first area 20 a and has a cross-sectional shapesubstantially equal to that of the light reflective portion 38 in thefirst embodiment (FIG. 5). The light reflective portion 538 covers thesecond area 20 b, the third area 20 c, and the fourth area 20 d inaddition to the first area 20 a. The light reflective portion 538 can beseparate parts respectively covering the first area 20 a, the secondarea 20 b, the third area 20 c, and the fourth area 20 d.

With the light emitting device 510, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

A light emitting device 610 in accordance with a sixth embodiment willbe described below referring to FIG. 10. The light emitting device 610has the same construction as the light emitting device 10 except for thesecond corner 32. Thus, elements having substantially the same functionas those in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, andwill not be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for thesake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 10, in the light emitting device 610, the substantiallypolygonal shape of the opening 24 includes the first corner 30, a secondcorner 632, the third corner 34, and the fourth corner 36. Unlike thelight emitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment, theopening 24 has a substantially square shape. The second corner 632 has ashape equal to the first corner 30, the third corner 34, and the fourthcorner 36. The second corner 632 forms a right angle and has a roundshape. The fifth corner 37 is omitted from the substantially polygonalshape of the opening 24.

With the light emitting device 610, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment

A light emitting device 710 in accordance with a seventh embodiment willbe described below referring to FIGS. 11 and 12. The light emittingdevice 710 has the same construction as the light emitting device 10except for the light reflective portion 38. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the above embodiments willbe numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 11, the light emitting device 710 includes a lightreflective portion 738. The light reflective portion 738 covers theprotection element 18 to reflect light emitted from the light emittingelement 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the light reflective portion738 partially covers the protection element 18 to reflect light emittedfrom the light emitting element 16. The light reflective portion 738partially covers the inner peripheral surface 22 of the wall 14. As seenin FIG. 12, the light reflective portion 738 has a cross-sectional shapesubstantially equal to that of the light reflective portion 38 in thefirst embodiment (FIG. 5). A wire connected to the protective element 18is exposed from the light reflective portion 738.

With the light emitting device 710, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

Eighth Embodiment

A light emitting device 810 in accordance with an eighth embodiment willbe described below referring to FIG. 13. The light emitting device 810has the same construction as the light emitting device 10 of the firstembodiment except for the shape of the base structure 12. Thus, elementshaving substantially the same function as those in the above embodimentswill be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/orillustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 13, the light emitting device 810 includes a basestructure 812. The base structure 812 has substantially the samestructure as that of the base structure 12 of the first embodiment. Inthis embodiment, however, the base structure 812 has a rectangular shapein the planar view.

With the light emitting device 810, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same advantageous effects as those of the lightemitting device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the technical field of the lightemitting device from the present disclosure that the constructions ofthe above embodiments can be at least partially combined with eachother. For example, at least one of the constructions of the lightemitting devices 310, 410, 510, and 610 in accordance with the third tosixth embodiments can be applied to the light emitting device 210 inaccordance with the second embodiment. At least one of the constructionsof the light emitting devices 410, 510, and 610 in accordance with thefourth to sixth embodiments can be applied to the light emitting device310 in accordance with the third embodiment. The constructions of thelight emitting devices 310 in accordance with the third embodiment canbe applied to the light emitting device 710 in accordance with theseventh embodiment. At least one of the constructions of the lightemitting devices 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710 in accordance with thesecond to seventh embodiments can be applied to the light emittingdevice 810 in accordance with the eighth embodiment.

In the present application, the term “comprising” and its derivatives,as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify thepresence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers,and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstatedfeatures, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. Thisconcept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms“have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light emitting device comprising: a packagehaving a recess which includes a bottom surface having corners, thepackage comprising: a first electrode provided at a first part of thebottom surface; a second electrode provided at a second part of thebottom surface; and a resin portion provided between the first electrodeand the second electrode at a third part of the bottom surface; aprotection element provided on the bottom surface; a light reflectivematerial covering the bottom surface except for an uncovered region onthe bottom surface to cover the protection element and the corners ofthe bottom surface, the uncovered region being defined by linear linesand curved lines connecting the linear lines; and a light emittingelement provided in the uncovered region on the bottom surface.
 2. Thelight emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light emittingelement has a substantially rectangular shape viewed in a firstdirection perpendicular to the bottom surface, the substantiallyrectangular shape having sides, wherein each of the linear line issubstantially parallel to one of the sides of the light emitting elementviewed in the first direction.
 3. The light emitting device according toclaim 1, further comprising: a conductive wire which is electricallyconnected to the protection element and which is partially uncoveredwith the light reflective material.
 4. The light emitting deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the uncovered region includes a part ofthe third part of the bottom surface.
 5. The light emitting deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the first part of the bottom surface, thesecond part of the bottom surface, and the third part of the bottomsurface constitute a flat surface.